Vaporizer



Patented Ma. I4, |899.

H. M. DUNLAP.

VA POR l Z E R (Application filed Apr. 22, 1897.)

(No Model.)

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NTTED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HARLEY M. DUNLAP, or BATTLE CREEK, Mr oHIeAN.

vAPoRizER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 620,895, dated March 14, 1899.

Application tiled April 22, 1897. Serial No. 633,325. (No model.)

To @ZZ whom t may concern.-

Be it known that I, HARLEY M. DUNLAP, of Battle Creek, in the county of Calhoun and lState of Michigan, have invented new and -Which a spray of liquid or vapor is formedand has particular reference to that class of vaporizing-inhalers in which liquid is atomized or vaporized within a receptacle and then forced out in the form of vapor to be inhaled by a patient or otherwise applied for medical treatment.

The objects of this invention are` First, to provide an apparatus in which a quantity of cloud-like vapor can be produced and stored under pressure for rapid or extensive use. When it is attempted to produce this character of vapor as needed for use for rapid treatment or for iniiating the lungs, the quantity of vapor is insufficient from devices of a practical size unless very high pressure is used. Also by storing the vapor for a little time under pressure all coarse particles will be precipitated and its quality be much improved.

Second, to provide an improved apparatus of this class in which several different medicines can be used entirely separate or mixed together in any proportion desired and delivered from a main storage-chamber.

Third, to provide an improved apparatusv I accomplish the objects of my invention` vation thereof. Fig. Sis a detail of the vaporizing-tube, and Fig. 4 is a detail of a noveloutlet-valve used in my invention.

In the drawings similar letters of reference refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

The improved apparatus consists of areceiver A, arranged centrally, as shown, and a plurality ofv smaller receptacles or bottles B, preferably arranged in the arc of a circle around the receiver. Each receptacle B is secured to a hard-rubber top or socket C, having a central tube D, which at one end connects with the atomizing or nebulizing tube E and at the other end with the casing of an air-cock or air-valve F, controlling the connection of the nebulizing-tube with an air-tube G, which may connect, as at G', with any suitable supply of compressed air or means of compressing the same, the air-sup'- ply pipe or tube G' being shown .in broken sections. The sockets or tops C are further connected to the central receiverA by means of tubes l-I, which are preferably lined with hard rubber, as shown at H. The air-tube G is preferably supported by standards I.

The receiver A has a vertical tube J, lead'- ing at its upper end to a valve-chamber K, communicating with the outlet-nipple L. In the chamber K is arranged a valve M, held at the end of the stem N by means of a transverse pivot O and adapted to be seated out'- wardly. The valve-stem has a collar N. A sleeve Q surrounds the stem N. A coiled spring P,- bearing against the collar N of the stem and against the end of a sleeve Q, sur;- rounding said stem, keeps the valve seated. The sleeve Q has an exterior screw-thread, on

which is fitted the cap R, which is thus ad# justable longitudinally ofthe stem. The

Fig. 2 is a radial sectional element with the head collar or button N2 of the valve-stem. The cap R may also be screwed down to engage the collar or shoulder N', and thus hold the valve M open continuously, if desired.

The nebulizing or spraying tube E is of substantially the same construction as shown in my Patent No. 483,435, dated September 27, 1S92-that is, it is provided with a lateral opening E; but instead of providing a transverse opening in the lower female threaded section E2, which forms a suction-tube, I make said section with a beveled upper edge registering with the opening E and with a longitudinal outlet E3, formed by cutting away the inner tube terminating at the upper edge of the section E2. With this constructionv the openin g through which the liquid rises is large and cannot read ily be clogged. Furthermore, as the size of the opening may be readily adjusted by screwing the lower section E2 up or down, a heavy or light spray may be produced with any given air-pressure. The specific novel construction of the outlet E E3 ermits of aroducin(r a satisfactor spray with a much lower air-pressure than is required for the other forms of spraying-tubes l1OW` ln USG.

The outlet-nipple L is adapted to receive a rubber tube S, having at its free end a hardrubber tip adapted to be inserted in one of the nostrils or a mask to be fitted over the month and nose of the patient. Such accessories being well known in the art are not described or shown here, as my invention does not relate to the saine. In this connection I desire to remark that in giving the massage treatment tips to enter the nose or mouth are the only means of securing a sufficiently airtight connection for the purpose. It is practically impossible to secure such a connection with any kind of a mask.

In operation the bottles B, being properly filled with medicines suitable for the various treatments and the air-tube G connected to the supply ot' compressed airor an air-pump, the air-valve F corresponding to the receptacle B containing the solution it is desired to use is opened to admit the air to said receptacle. A spray of liquid is then projected against the wall of the receptacle, and the cloud-like vapor thus formed passes through the tube II into the central receiver A, Where it is held in suspension and under pressure, as the outlet-valve M is normally closed. The rubber lining H protects the tube H against corrosion by the medicinal agents. The spray is discharged into the patients month or nostril by opening the valve M. Thisis done by the operator pressing on the button N2. By adjusting the cap or stop R the extent to which the valve will open, and consequently the amount of'vapor discharged, can be regulated with great accuracy. By the patient swallowing at the time the valve is opened, the vapor may be injected into the enstachiantubes, reaching the middle ear or the tympanic cavities and various nasal sinuses, as will be readily understood by users of apparatns of this class. A novel effect maybe obtained by opening and closing the valve M quickly for a short time, so as to produce a Vibratory current of Vapor, which is of great value in treatment of all affections of the ear in which there are adhesions, contractions, and ankyloses. This same manipulation is applicable to lung treatment. The pressure with my improved treatment is outward, thus tending to expand the parts which are contracted by disease and, in fact, practically produces a vapor massage of these parts.

The storage of vapor under pressure is of very great advantage, especially in the treatment of pulmonary affections, as the lungs may be perfectly expanded by opening the outlet-valve M during the period of inhalation, the vapor readily reaching the smaller bronchial tubes and air-cells. The pressure assists in throwing olli' accumulated mucus, but is in no case injurious. When it is not desired to retain the vapor under pressnrein the chamberA, the outlet--valve may be placed in open adjustment, as before described, and the outfiow of vapor is unobstructed. rlhe instrument is used in this way for simple inhalations, or where a large supply is not required and pressure is unnecessary.

The provision of a plurality of receptacles B separately connected to the receiver A not only enables me to use one apparatus for the application of different medicalnents according to the requirements of each case; but l may further combine the vapor of two or more iuids for asingle treatment, and thus unite in vapor form agents which would be incompatible in solution. This. arrangement secures an apparatus in which each medicine can be used separately without the slightest mixture of any of the others or can be mixed in any proportion with them. In this use of the apparatus the tube J secures a thorough mixture of the vapors by compelling them to pass through a longer path.

It will be understood that the apparatus may be used in several ways besides those hereinbefore described, and I have only particularly pointed out some novel effects which, so far as I am aware, cannot be obtained with any other apparatus in existence.

The concentric arrangement of the bottles l B aiords an instrument of very neat and attractive appearance. It is compact, occupies a comparatively small space, and is not liable to injury by being overturned or falling from a table or other article on which it may rest.

The general design and arrangement, as be fore described, enables me to use hard rnbber or other similar material in every part of the instrument with which the liquid or vapor comes in contact, except the chambersA and B, which are preferably of glass. This provides against any corrosive action ot' the mcdicinal agents which may be used.

Having thus described my improved appa- ICO IIO

ratus in all its details and definitely pointed out the operation, I desire to state that while I have shown the same in its most approved and superior form Iam aware it is capable of great variation in its details without departing from the main features of my invention. The exact structure I have shown is preferred by me.

The exact circulararran gement of the medicine-receptacles is not a necessity. It is not a necessity that these depend on the pipe or tube G for their support. In this apparatus the eXactatomizing-tubes illustrated are preferred, as they produce a perfect cloud-like vapor, though those illustrated in my former patent, above referred to, are nearly as etticient and can be used. Other styles can also be used.

Vi-th volatile medicines a great variety of vaporizers are capable of use, and in someinstances where very volatile medicine is used no special means is needed.

The valve connections of all the parts, it is needless to remark, can be infinitely varied. The controlling-valve to the receiver can also be greatly varied, though its exact form is preferred by me. More than one such outlet can be utilized also, though one will be all that is necessary. Any valve that can be easily and quickly controlled can be used and secure the intermittent or vibratory effect. It is preferred to provide the valve with suitable adjustable stops, when it will accomplish all that is here secured, though possibly the present structure is most convenient.

There are many other valves than the spring valve shown that can be operated quickly for the purpose of giving a vapormassage of the cavities being treated. The atomizing-tubes used and shown can be varied by providing other means than the screwthread to adjust the lower part. It might be retained by friction and secure the adj ustment, though obviously this would be more or less uncertain in results.

An atomizing-tube could be used inside a single receiver or receptacle having a valve to control its outlet, and thus secure the storing of the cloud-like vapor under pressure.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

l. The combination of a receiver having an outlet and a plurality of receptacles containing spraying or atomizing devices connected to the receiver by independent passages so that any one or more of the atomizing devices can be connected to deliver a single medicine or a mixture from the same apparatus as specilied.

2. In an atomizer or vaporizing apparatus the combination of an atomizing device; a chamber or receptacle for the storage of the atomized vapor atnbe or nozzle leading therefrom; means for controlling the passage from said chamber so that the vapor can be stored and delivered under pressure for rapid or extensive use, as specified..

3. In a vaporizer or atomizer apparatus the combination of a suitable atomizer; a chamber for storing the atomized vapor under pressure; a valved outlet constructed to open and close in rapid succession to control the discharge therefrom for the purpose specified.

4. In an atomizer or vaporizer apparatus the combination of a receiver with a delivery pipe ortube therefrom; a suit-able means as a valve to control the passage of vapor through the delivery pipe or tube; two or more receptacles for medicine, having each an atomizing or vaporizing device therein and independent connections from each receptacle to the receiver so that air may be forced through any or all of the saidatomizing or vaporizing devices and receptacles into the receiver whereby different medicines can be used separately or mixed in the same apparatus and be controlled by controlling the pipe from the receiver.

5. In an atomizer or vaporizer apparatus the combination of a receiver with delivery pipe or tube therefrom aninwardly-opening valve to control the passage of vapor through said delivery pipe or tube; two or more receptacles for medicine, each having an atomizing or vaporizing device therein and independent connections from each receptacle to the receiver, so that air may be forced through any or all of the said atomizing or vaporizing devices and receptacles into the receiver,where by different medicines can be used separately or mixed in the same apparatus and be controlled by controlling the pipe from the receiver.

6. In an atomizer or vaporizer apparatus the combination of a receiver with a delivery pipe or tube therefrom; means of controlling the passage of vapor through the said delivery pipe or tube; two or more receptacles for the medicine having an atomizing or vaporizing device and independent connections from IOO each receptacle to the receiver, so that a combe connected with said medicine-receptacles and their atomizers or vaporizers; and means of opening or closing the passage through each receptacle to the receiver for the purpose specified.

8. In an atomizer or vaporizer the combination with an atomizing or vaporizing device of a'receiver provided with an outlet, a valve for closing the outlet of the receiver having a suitable stem, the valve-stem being provided with a head at its outer end and with a collar or shoulder a short distance therefrom, and an adjustable stop, through which the portion of the valve-stem between the head and shoulder or collar works,substantially as described.

9. In an atomizer, the combination of a spraying device, a receiver connected thereto and provided with an outlet, a valve under the control of the operator for .closing said outlet, and provided with a collar or shoulder on its stem, a sleeve surrounding the valvestem, a coiled spring surrounding the valvestem and engaging said sleeve and collar or shoulder of the valve-stem to close the valve, and a stop screwed on said sleeve and through which the valve-stem loosely passes, substan tially as described.

l0. In an atomizing or vaporizing apparatus the combination of a suitable storage-receptacle for vapor; an outlet pipe or nozzle therefrom; a valve to control said outlet pipe or nozzle; an adjustable stop for said valve constructed to hold it open or closed or limit its movement as specified.

l1. In an atomizer or spraying device, comprising a tubular section having an exterior screw-thread at one end and a transverse outlet near said end, the screw-threaded end of said section being cut away or reduced, and a second tubular section screwing on the first section so that it is adjustable and forming with the cut-away or reduced portion thereof a longitudinal passage, the top of which is adapted to register with the said transverse outlet, substantially as described.

12. An atomizing or vaporizing inhaler,c0m prising a receiver having a valved outlet, medicine-receptacles arranged concentric to the receiver and each having independent connection therewith, an airtube above the medicine-receptacles, atomizing or nebulizing tubes in the receptacles, and a valved connection between the air-tube and the atomizing or nebulizing tube of each receptacle, substantially as described.

HARLEY M. DUNLAP.

Witnesses:

FRED WELLS, SCOTT FIELD. 

